Vehicle Architecture Lead Engineer

Position Title: Vehicle Architecture Lead Engineer Contract Type: Contract - 12 months Location: Gaydon, Warwickshire Working Pattern: Hybrid (see below) Rate: £33.88 per hour inside IR35 Role Overview The Vehicle Architecture Lead Engineer is responsible for the end‑to‑end engineering integration process across vehicle architectures. This role sits at the heart of whole‑vehicle development, ensuring that technical specifications, attributes, and system interactions are optimised to deliver competitive, high‑quality vehicles. You will lead the resolution of complex, cross‑functional engineering challenges, balancing competing requirements to define the best overall vehicle solutions. The role also plays a key part in shaping future products by analysing emerging technologies and competitor vehicles, influencing client strategies to maintain market competitiveness. In addition, you will provide technical leadership, supporting the development of less experienced engineers through coaching, review, and task delegation. Key Responsibilities Lead the engineering integration process across vehicle architectures Define, design, and develop vehicle technical specifications and attribute targets Balance competing system requirements to deliver optimal whole‑vehicle solutions Lead and resolve complex multi‑functional engineering issues Analyse current and future technologies and competitor products to influence vehicle strategy and ensure product competitiveness Provide technical leadership through coaching, reviewing, and delegating work to lower‑level engineers Operate effectively in environments where problems are challenging, ambiguous, and complex Knowledge, Skills & Experience Essential Strong knowledge of whole‑vehicle engineering and cross‑functional vehicle systems Passion and enthusiasm for vehicles and vehicle development Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interpret and convey complex technical information Good IT literacy, including the ability to create and manage presentations and spreadsheets Full UK driving licence Desirable Previous experience in whole‑vehicle development and validation Experience using structured problem‑solving tools, such as Six Sigma methodologies Prior experience leading technical issue resolution across multiple functions Personal Profile Essential Results‑driven, with the ability to deliver operational plans in a demanding environment Strong capability to prioritise workload, both personally and across the team Confident and effective communicator, able to explain complex concepts clearly Collaborative team player who actively supports and develops others Working Pattern Hybrid working model Team office days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus additional days as required or agreed A typical working week will involve more than 50% onsite presence, including full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays